Week 34
Can I just say "F- this s!&*$" That's pretty much how I'm feeling these days. Yeah, I know I have 4.5 weeks to go (6 if I was "normal") but you know what? At this point I was about ready to beg my doctor for mercy (actually I basically did) and give me an induction date so I can count down! But, not in the cards quite yet apparently. My non-stress tests (NSTs) are looking good. Baby boy's heart rate is awesome and everything on my end is going ok too. My blood-pressure is up a little- but I'm usually low so now I'm just normal, nothing to worry about. I had a bit of a spike in weight the last two weeks, so that no doubt is contributing to my fatigue and lower back pain...but considering I'm weighing in at about 10-15 lbs less then the average mama bear to this point, also no worries there.
However, my Vitamin D levels have dropped even lower and I need to be put back on a prescription dose...wow, shocker there, since I basically knew that myself 14 weeks ago when they told me they DIDN'T need to re-test. But, I'm just the patient- what the F do I know? So yeah....
I know another women that is pregnant and is shocked by all the things her doctors office is not telling her or not checking into. I just want to say for any woman who is not used to dealing with the medical profession and especially those who have not be pregnant before. YOU have to be the one to read and research what is normal and what is not and what the doctors should be doing or testing for and when. I have the BEST high risk OB in the area and things are still missed. Phone calls about abnormal results are not made and lab results get lost. YOU have to be the one to stay on top of things if you really care about your medical care. Its sad and shouldn't be that way- but it is. So, don't rely on your doctor to tell you everything you need to know- its just not going to happen. Same with the pediatrician. You should know what developmental milestones your baby should reach and when and what is normal.
Hell, in our baby care class they didn't even go over the developmental milestones at all...apparently all you need to know is how to feed, diaper and swaddle and not when your baby should roll-over or crawl or walk or any of those things...unbelievable! I'm sure many new parents don't know those things. If they've never cared for an infant how would they?...but apparently that's not worth putting in the class...wow.
Anyhoo....
Doctor says baby is showing signs that he'll be ready for labor soon. But, I guess the term "soon" is relative. "Soon" to me is like in a week or two...but "soon" to baby boy may be a good solid month...so we're still shooting for July 16th or 39 weeks. However, the doc says if I go into labor on my own before then he won't stop it...but that would result in some fast work with the blood thinners and I may not get an epidural. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those ladies that is begging for an epidural but I'm totally fine with getting one too...I figure getting baby out safely is the goal- I'm not trying to be a hero and after the two years we've had leading up to this point....I'm just READY! But, I don't like the idea of not having the security of a date to look forward to like I thought I'd have or even the option for an epidural because my doc is insistent about pushing this to 39 weeks. I don't know, I'm just uncomfortable and my disposition is getting quite pissy and I would like to get the show on the road. Maybe I'm impatient but its honestly how I feel...why sugar-coat it?
But I guess if I can make it to the last 4 weeks of pregnancy before turning into a royal bitch I've done pretty well.
Pregnancy symptoms: A lot of Braxton Hicks contractions that are fairly uncomfortable. Lower back pain, sciatica, difficulty sleeping, I basically live in the bathroom, break-outs and lots of other fun stuff!
How far along: 34 weeks 4 days
How big is baby? 4.75 pounds; 18 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +15.5 lbs
Sleep: What is that? lol!
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes: Yes
Food cravings/aversions: I'm just hungry all the time.
What are you looking forward to this week: I'm looking forward to each week passing getting closer and closer to having my little man on the OUTSIDE! I want what is safe and best for him and I know right now that is staying put- believe me, I know that. But, I'm not gonna lie, I'd like my body back please. Just the simple act of being able to use my ab muscles again to sit up will be nice :)
Lincoln
June 10, 2012
Week 33
Well this week was certainly eventful. I'm not gonna lie, I'm starting to get a little tired of being pregnant and I really can't wait until the baby is born. I want to see him and hold him but I also want to be over this pregnancy. Its been a long haul and although it could have been worse- I'm tired.
This is the first week I've really started counting down the days. I'm crabby. My lower back hurts most of the time. I have trouble sleeping. I have bad sciatica and I'm just overall done. Sunday in particular drove that home even more.
Fred and I were out and about. We stopped by some garage sales and our friends house for a bit. We were going to go out on our boat but opted to go swimming at my mother's house instead. It was about 88 degrees. Well after swimming for about an hour I came in the house, ate dinner and immediately starting having contractions. They got closer together until we were timing them at 4 minutes apart and 40 seconds in duration. The baby had not moved a lot, so we called the doctor and he sent us into the hospital.
They hooked me up to the fetal monitor and baby was doing fine. Strong heartbeat - but I was still having contractions. The did an ultrasound to confirm I had enough amniotic fluid and to show me the baby was ok. Then they checked to see if I was dilated at all! WHOA!
Ok, so I know when you have a baby something pretty big comes out of something pretty small and although I've not gone through it yet, I'm sure it hurts. But we all know that because well- duh! Nobody ever tells you however that when you're being checked you are really being um...fisted! Ouchy! I know they need to feel your cervix but for christ sake! I was walking a little funny after that and was still sore the next day.
I digress. Everything turned out fine. I was not dilated and there was plenty of fluid and baby was ok. They said the heat likely brought on the contractions and I needed to stay cool and hydrated.
We also attended our all day birthing class this past Saturday. It was somewhat informative and I'm glad we went. I knew a lot about what they talked about already from working in an OB office and being there during my aunt's labor and delivery. But there were a few new things I learned too. The new things I learned were the regulations of the individual hospital itself- what they allow, what they don't etc. I also learned something new about episotomy and inductions- which will be helpful. The breathing techniques and massage techniques were nothing new to me or the specific terminology involved but I did learn about some of the newer methods - like using the birthing ball to open the hips and the squat bar...so that stuff was interesting.
I also think it really helped Fred learn about the birthing process and how he can be supportive and what to watch out for. When you're in labor and in pain I'm sure its hard to remember everything so its good he was there so he'll know how to best help me when the day comes.
We also attended our all day birthing class this past Saturday. It was somewhat informative and I'm glad we went. I knew a lot about what they talked about already from working in an OB office and being there during my aunt's labor and delivery. But there were a few new things I learned too. The new things I learned were the regulations of the individual hospital itself- what they allow, what they don't etc. I also learned something new about episotomy and inductions- which will be helpful. The breathing techniques and massage techniques were nothing new to me or the specific terminology involved but I did learn about some of the newer methods - like using the birthing ball to open the hips and the squat bar...so that stuff was interesting.
I also think it really helped Fred learn about the birthing process and how he can be supportive and what to watch out for. When you're in labor and in pain I'm sure its hard to remember everything so its good he was there so he'll know how to best help me when the day comes.
June 1, 2012
Week 32
Ah, it is June and the summer is finally upon us. I love the month of June- it is probably my favorite. There is no particular reason I love June; I just find I'm always a little happy in June. The weather is usually nice and not super hot yet- it is staying light out longer and longer and I'm no longer waking up in darkness. Its a good month. And this June is the last month I will live not being a parent. Amazing to even think about that. I've gone my whole life this way and once we flip into July (or possibly sooner) that will all change. I'm excited for it and dare I say, as ready as I'll ever be.
I'm very happy today. Today was my first non-stress test at my OBG-YN office and the results were "perfect." Little man's heart-rate and fetal movement are exactly as they should be. He is measuring only 1 cm shy of perfect and my blood pressure, weight and blood levels are (finally) perfect as well. Hearing his heart beat for 45 minutes this morning just put me at ease so much I can't explain it. And every time he moved I could hear it on the monitor- like having an ear inside the womb! It was awesome :)
All of the baby stuff from the showers is washed and put away and my mother and I have begun to "deep clean" the house. I wanted to be sure to get that done because I'm pretty sure I'll have little time for cleaning in the coming months. Not that I won't clean at all...but you know what I mean....
Pregnancy symptoms: A lot of fetal movement. His kicks, punches, elbows and knees are getting stronger and stronger. Sometimes the movements hurt. He loves to take his head (or butt) and shove it up into my rib-cage every day around lunch time lol! Thanks buddy!
How far along: 32 weeks 4 days
How big is baby? 4 pounds; 17 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +12 lbs (I find it odd I've stopped gaining weight...only 1/2 lb in the last few weeks-- doctor seems cool with it though, so whatever- not like I'm complaining!)
Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good. Waking up twice a night like clock-work. My hands have been a bit swollen when I wake up though- doc says I'm likely curling my arms when I sleep or clenching my hands. They feel ok after an hour or so though, so its not too bad.
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes: Yes
Food cravings/aversions: I'm just hungry. I eat, I get full fast and two hours later I'm ready to eat again...repeat.
What are you looking forward to this week: Getting the house completely in order and (hopefully) having another great report at the docs next week. Our all day birth class is in one week...I think it will be interesting. Fred says he's actually interested to go-- says he doesn't know why other guys complain about it so much, he'd rather know as much as he can about what will/may happen during the delivery. I guess we'll see once we go to the class. Even if he's lying to make me feel better...I love him for it lol! :)
Ah, it is June and the summer is finally upon us. I love the month of June- it is probably my favorite. There is no particular reason I love June; I just find I'm always a little happy in June. The weather is usually nice and not super hot yet- it is staying light out longer and longer and I'm no longer waking up in darkness. Its a good month. And this June is the last month I will live not being a parent. Amazing to even think about that. I've gone my whole life this way and once we flip into July (or possibly sooner) that will all change. I'm excited for it and dare I say, as ready as I'll ever be.
I'm very happy today. Today was my first non-stress test at my OBG-YN office and the results were "perfect." Little man's heart-rate and fetal movement are exactly as they should be. He is measuring only 1 cm shy of perfect and my blood pressure, weight and blood levels are (finally) perfect as well. Hearing his heart beat for 45 minutes this morning just put me at ease so much I can't explain it. And every time he moved I could hear it on the monitor- like having an ear inside the womb! It was awesome :)
All of the baby stuff from the showers is washed and put away and my mother and I have begun to "deep clean" the house. I wanted to be sure to get that done because I'm pretty sure I'll have little time for cleaning in the coming months. Not that I won't clean at all...but you know what I mean....
Pregnancy symptoms: A lot of fetal movement. His kicks, punches, elbows and knees are getting stronger and stronger. Sometimes the movements hurt. He loves to take his head (or butt) and shove it up into my rib-cage every day around lunch time lol! Thanks buddy!
How far along: 32 weeks 4 days
How big is baby? 4 pounds; 17 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +12 lbs (I find it odd I've stopped gaining weight...only 1/2 lb in the last few weeks-- doctor seems cool with it though, so whatever- not like I'm complaining!)
Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good. Waking up twice a night like clock-work. My hands have been a bit swollen when I wake up though- doc says I'm likely curling my arms when I sleep or clenching my hands. They feel ok after an hour or so though, so its not too bad.
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes: Yes
Food cravings/aversions: I'm just hungry. I eat, I get full fast and two hours later I'm ready to eat again...repeat.
What are you looking forward to this week: Getting the house completely in order and (hopefully) having another great report at the docs next week. Our all day birth class is in one week...I think it will be interesting. Fred says he's actually interested to go-- says he doesn't know why other guys complain about it so much, he'd rather know as much as he can about what will/may happen during the delivery. I guess we'll see once we go to the class. Even if he's lying to make me feel better...I love him for it lol! :)
May 29, 2012
The Maternity Session
I was so excited for this day! As you know, hubs and I have been wanting a baby for about two years now and I never thought we'd get far enough in a pregnancy to actually have a maternity portrait session.
But, last Friday- we did :) Rachel, from August Tea Photography helped us out on this one and we LOVE how these portraits turned out.
This one is my mothers favorite and Fred loves it too.
This one is Fred's favorite :)
I think this one is my absolute favorite!
I love how Fred looks in this one...priceless!
May 26, 2012
Week 31
I'm not going to say AGAIN, how fast time is flying but...but I got about 51 days left...so I'm starting the very early signs of hyperventilation lol!
This past weekend my mother threw us a beautiful baby shower at a local hotel and banquet center. It was attended by about 55 people and it was wonderful. We have absolutely everything we need for baby and then some. After three showers and countless gifts sent to our home...I was shocked to realize I have written about 130 thank you notes! 130! That is insane...it is about the same amount I wrote for our wedding. We are incredible lucky and blessed people.
Here are some shots from the 3rd and final shower- compliments of my friend, Rachel from August Tea Photography.
Beautiful hand-made bouquet my friend Lori and her mother made :)
Compliments of August Tea Photography - I love this shot!!!
My adorable cousin, Mr. Chicken- stole his penguin!
My aunt, cousin and I
The Rachels!
Brit feeling the baby for the first time...it was so cute!
My friend Courtney loves feeling the belly :)
We have so many of opening presents, I won't bore you with all of them...just some of the funny ones!! That's Lincoln's first fishing hat on the Hubs' head and pee-pee teepees compliments of my friend Lori.
Adorable cake my Aunt made for us. The penguin is gluten-free!
We honestly could not ask for a better set of family and friends. When I start to think about it I get all teared up. We are surrounded my loving, good people and we are grateful and humbled by it.Thank you to everyone for making this very special time in our lives even better.
Pregnancy symptoms: Man, this belly is getting HEAVY! I know this is the pack-it-on stage for our little man and boy am I feeling it. Lower back pain, foot cramps and just all around feeling tired. Had my first Braxton Hicks contraction last night while walking...that was...interesting.
How far along: 31 weeks 5 days
How big is baby? 3.3 pounds; 17 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +12 lbs
Sleep: Still getting up at least 2-3 times every night and adjusting those pillows. But I've been so tired that I am sleeping like a rock!
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes:Yes
Food cravings/aversions: I'm just hungry. I eat, I get full fast and two hours later I'm ready to eat again...repeat.
What are you looking forward to this week: I have my first non-stress test in a about a week...not really looking forward to it, but its something new....
I'm not going to say AGAIN, how fast time is flying but...but I got about 51 days left...so I'm starting the very early signs of hyperventilation lol!
This past weekend my mother threw us a beautiful baby shower at a local hotel and banquet center. It was attended by about 55 people and it was wonderful. We have absolutely everything we need for baby and then some. After three showers and countless gifts sent to our home...I was shocked to realize I have written about 130 thank you notes! 130! That is insane...it is about the same amount I wrote for our wedding. We are incredible lucky and blessed people.
Here are some shots from the 3rd and final shower- compliments of my friend, Rachel from August Tea Photography.
Home shot I took on our way out to the shower!
Friends Brit and Lori
Gorgeous Grandma, don't ya think?
A "My Auntie Rocks" onesie from my Aunt Alicia....mother of Mr. Chicken.
Apparently I make this face a lot...I'll need to stop lol!
Hand-made mobile by my friend and photographer, Rachel. I love it so much!
We honestly could not ask for a better set of family and friends. When I start to think about it I get all teared up. We are surrounded my loving, good people and we are grateful and humbled by it.Thank you to everyone for making this very special time in our lives even better.
Pregnancy symptoms: Man, this belly is getting HEAVY! I know this is the pack-it-on stage for our little man and boy am I feeling it. Lower back pain, foot cramps and just all around feeling tired. Had my first Braxton Hicks contraction last night while walking...that was...interesting.
How far along: 31 weeks 5 days
How big is baby? 3.3 pounds; 17 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +12 lbs
Sleep: Still getting up at least 2-3 times every night and adjusting those pillows. But I've been so tired that I am sleeping like a rock!
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes:Yes
Food cravings/aversions: I'm just hungry. I eat, I get full fast and two hours later I'm ready to eat again...repeat.
What are you looking forward to this week: I have my first non-stress test in a about a week...not really looking forward to it, but its something new....
May 18, 2012
Week 30
Aunt Nancy bought Lincoln his very first fishing pole!
Our dear friend Carrie with daughter Emma and niece Electra
Fred and his wonderful Mother and sisters
Man, 30 weeks along...only 8 weeks or less left. So hard to imagine we're even here and that in just about two months we'll be having a baby! Crazy how fast time has flown...
This week has been pretty good. Nothing crazy, new or unusual to report.
Last weekend we had a baby shower from my husband's side of the family- it was really very nice.
Miss Gentry...still makes my heart melt...she just needs to stop getting so big!
That's my "Awww its sooo cute!' face...apparently lol!
Fred's Mother- so beautiful and so awesome!
The soon-to-be family of three!
I saw the doctor this morning and learned some interesting news. Everything is going well. He things the phlebitis is nothing to worry about and may actually be bumped up against a lymph node which is what is causing more pain. I passed my glucose test as I reported last week and he's comfortable with my Vitamin D regime at the moment (although we disagree on this, but whatever). My weight, blood pressure and fundus height is "perfect" and the baby's heart-rate is a healthy 164 beats per minute.
Starting in two weeks however, I'll start undergoing weekly non-stress tests. A test where they hook the belly up to two straps and monitor the baby's movement, oxygen, contractions I may be having etc. After that I repeat the test one week later then it will be bi-weekly tests. Yes, that's twice a week...man- talk about things moving along. He said the purpose of these tests are to be sure the baby is safe in his environment and that if anything comes back off he will feel comfortable inducing me as early as week 34...that's June 12th...yeah, OMG. He says with my compromised circulation and other issues I'm at a really high risk for preclamsia and he wants to keep the baby inside as long as it is safe- but if anything starts to go awry he's comfortable "getting that baby out of me." He said the absolute LAST day he would induce would be 39 weeks or July 16th. So, looks like I'll be having a baby any time between June 12th and July 16th.
I never thought induction that early was even an option and I'm HOPING we make it until at least the first of July...but then again nothing is predetermined, especially in pregnancy and apparently that is even more true in high risk pregnancy.
May 12, 2012
Week 28 & 29
The last couple weeks have had their ups and downs but at the end of it all I feel pretty good.
It is no secret to anyone I have a blood clotting disorder, or maybe it is- who knows - well anyway early last week I developed a clot in a superficial vein in my groin, known as phlebitis. Because it wasn't in a deep vein I don't need hospitalization but it made me rather uncomfortable none-the-less. I still have it, but it is starting to get more manageable
Two weeks ago Fred and I took a "babymoon" - a little three night getaway to the Irish Hills. We stayed at a cute little Bed and Breakfast and did some shopping, ate at local restaurants and visited Hidden Lake Gardens.
Pregnancy symptoms: Awesome leg cramps in the middle of the night and of course baby boy is getting stronger and his kicks are a lot harder. Most don't hurt but it is much harder to ignore them these days. No more nausea or vomiting, so that's awesome...I think my last "episode" was around week 26...so very glad that seems to be over.
How far along: 29 weeks 5 days
How big is baby? 3 pounds; 17 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +10.5 lbs
Sleep: Sleep has been interesting. I sleep good but I'm up about 3 times every night to shift positions or for bathroom breaks...and I need to readjust my assortment of pillows lol!
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes: Of course, no choice now.
Food cravings/aversions: I've been craving a lot of non-gluten free foods lately...so that kind of sucks...but nothing bad...mainly I'm craving subway sandwiches with the REAL bread.
The last couple weeks have had their ups and downs but at the end of it all I feel pretty good.
It is no secret to anyone I have a blood clotting disorder, or maybe it is- who knows - well anyway early last week I developed a clot in a superficial vein in my groin, known as phlebitis. Because it wasn't in a deep vein I don't need hospitalization but it made me rather uncomfortable none-the-less. I still have it, but it is starting to get more manageable
In addition I received some good news that lovenox (anticoagulant) manufactures started making 120mg syringes of lovenox- so I'm back to two shots a day...from four- woohoo!!
Finally, I also received a call that I failed my one hour glucose test. F'ing bummer. So yesterday I needed to take the 3 (more like 4) hour fasting glucose tolerance test. This test sucked and anyone that ends up needing to have this done should prepare to be hungry, crabby and poked a lot in a short period of time. All and all I did pretty well with the exception of a nurse on my 3rd draw missing twice and poking through my vein...yeah my hand is pretty nasty looking today. But, good news is- I passed!!! So when I found that out I sighed a huge sigh of relief. No gestational diabetes!!!
I was surprised to be in the room with 4 other pregnant women being tested for the same thing and none of them were significantly overweight. I've also been talking to some women at work and many of them had gestational diabetes with one or more of their children. While weight and health play a factor, it seems age is a larger determinant. Women having children in their 30's despite weight seems to be at a pretty high risk....I guess this is another "myth" busted...or just assumption I had that I found to not always be true. I started off this pregnancy about 30 lbs more than I would have liked to be...so I wouldn't have been surprised if I failed to be completely honest. But, I didn't so I'm glad.
Two weeks ago Fred and I took a "babymoon" - a little three night getaway to the Irish Hills. We stayed at a cute little Bed and Breakfast and did some shopping, ate at local restaurants and visited Hidden Lake Gardens.
This past Monday the ladies I work with threw me an awesome, owl-themed baby shower at work. I was shocked that we had 29 people from work attend...my car was stuffed with gifts on the way home. It brought tears to my eyes! I know I'm liked at work, but I keep work and personal life pretty separate, so I was very surprised by the warm reception from so many. My boss gave me a hug and said "you touch a lot of people's lives, Rachel." And then the tears came. It was a wonderful day.
Pregnancy symptoms: Awesome leg cramps in the middle of the night and of course baby boy is getting stronger and his kicks are a lot harder. Most don't hurt but it is much harder to ignore them these days. No more nausea or vomiting, so that's awesome...I think my last "episode" was around week 26...so very glad that seems to be over.
How far along: 29 weeks 5 days
How big is baby? 3 pounds; 17 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +10.5 lbs
Sleep: Sleep has been interesting. I sleep good but I'm up about 3 times every night to shift positions or for bathroom breaks...and I need to readjust my assortment of pillows lol!
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes: Of course, no choice now.
Food cravings/aversions: I've been craving a lot of non-gluten free foods lately...so that kind of sucks...but nothing bad...mainly I'm craving subway sandwiches with the REAL bread.
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